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Here's an update on the infrared animation showing the approach of the typhoon. As you can see, the eye of the storm has just disappeared (a good sign) and the system is heading for Kagoshima.
http://www.jma.go.jp/jp/gms/index.html?area=0&element=0
-- Kirk

Earlier today, I wrote about the possibility of strong winds. The following YouTube video (in Japanese, unfortunately) points to the danger from heavy rain in Kyushu -- as much as 30 centimeters:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-p6z111SUo
On the other hand, my university (Kumamoto Gakuen University) has decided to go ahead with classes. Students have been advised to attend class is they feel they can get to the university safely:
http://www.kumagaku.ac.jp/news/archives/1089
-- Kirk

This image may look somewhat less threatening than what I posted earlier, but it's actually an indication or a greater threat -- Category 1 or higher winds. Category 1 winds are between 119 and 153 kph (74-95 mph). Imagine sticking your hand out of a moving car traveling at that kind of speed and that should give you an idea of the power of such winds. The storm itself is now a Category 3 cyclone (178-208 kph or 111-129 mph). It is not on course to hit us directly but it's coming close enough for us to take notice. In the northern hemisphere cyclones (typhoons, hurricanes, etc) spin counterclockwise (see the video I posted here earlier today). This is good for us when a storm comes from the south because the winds must travel over land before they reach us -- they don't come directly from the sea. Land offers more resistance and tends to slow them down. Still, this storm looks like one that deserves to be treated with respect. Even if the winds don't cause mush damage in Kumamoto, there is significant risk of rain-related disasters (flooding, landslides, etc.). Kumamoto is quiet now but the "quiet before the storm" can be deceiving. Take care!
-- Kirk
http://tropicalstormrisk.com

Quake-hit art museum finds temporary home in Nagasaki：The Asahi Shimbun
SAIKAI, Nagasaki Prefecture--After Katsuhiko Ono's art museum was forced to shutter its doors becaus

Here's a nice video news report about yesterday's festival. The video will probably be taken down soon (videos put up on this site never last long) so, if you're interested, take a look now.
The headline says that the festival was held in hopes of speeding Kumamoto's recovery. Some felt that festivities of this kind would be inappropriate after such a great loss but the idea that the festival should be held as a sign of Kumamoto's determination to recover won out.
-- Kirk
http://news.tbs.co.jp/newseye/tbs_newseye2871913.html
　熊本に秋の訪れを告げる「藤崎八幡宮秋季例大祭」は、祭りの呼び物「神幸行列」が行われています。 　今年は、地震の影響で去年の半数ほどの３５団体、およそ８０００人の参加となりました。 　「みんなが元気になるように、精いっぱいやりたいと思います」（女性） 　「熊本復興」の文字が書かれたのぼりも掲げられ、勢子たちは例年通りの威勢の良さで沿道に活気を与えていました。（18日13:53）

Here's an infrared animation of the approaching storm. It begins yesterday morning and shows how it has moved over the past 24 hours. Note the distinct "eye" (hole) in the middle. A clear eye is an indication of power.
http://www.jma.go.jp/jp/gms/index.html?area=0&element=0
-- Kirk

According to Tropicalstormrisk.com, we are almost certain to experience tropical storm winds in the next 24 hours. Category 1 winds will significantly less likely for us but may hit the Kagoshima area.
-- Kirk
http://tropicalstormrisk.com

More items being given away on the Kumamoto-i mailing list . . .
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/kumamoto-i/conversations/messages/13440
-- Kirk

According to Tropicalstormrisk.com, we are quite likely to experience tropical storm winds on Tuesday, 48 hours from now. My guess would be that the main danger to people in Kumamoto will be the possibility of landslides and flooding due to sudden, intense rain. However, the winds may cause issues as well. Fortunately, however, the wind speeds should be significantly lower when the storm arrives than they are at the moment. At any rate, please be aware of any risks you may face in your particular area and take steps as needed to insure your safety. I'll post more about this as the storm gets closer.
-- KIrk
P.S. The probability of tropical storm winds is so high that it's hard to see the outline of Kyushu on the map. The border between the purple and red part of the predictive image is about where Kumamoto is.
http://www.tropicalstormrisk.com

If you need any of these items, you can't beat the price -- free!
-- Kirk
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/kumamoto-i/conversations/messages/13438

明日の例大祭は「雨天決行」でしょうか？ご存知の方がいらっしゃれば、教えてください。
I've been trying to get confirmation about tomorrow's festival (Fujisakigu no Reitaisai). The forecast for tomorrow is rain. This may be an indirect result of the approaching typhoon, but the typhoon itself will still be far away during the festival. The Japanese page below is about three years old but it says "rain or shine, the event will proceed as scheduled" (雨天決行; uten kekko). I'm quite sure that this applies to tomorrow's event as well but I'd appreciate confirmation in a comment if you happen to know for sure.
-- Kirk
http://www.manyou-kumamoto.jp/event/manyou.cfm?id=327
イベントカレンダー - 【満遊!くまもと】
一千年以上の歴史をもつ藤崎宮の例大祭は、昔より肥後国第一の大祭と称せられ親しまれています。鎧をつけた随兵５０人、陣笠に槍を持った長柄５０人が続き、その後に「馬追い」の勢子約2万人が続く一大豪華絵巻が展開。日　時　平成２５年９月１６日（月）※当日は公共交通機関をご利用ください。※雨天決行お問合せ　藤崎八旛宮　ＴＥＬ０９６―３４３－１５４３

Update on typhoon 16: USNO had charted its course as far south as the tip of Kagoshima but now is tracking it hitting northern Kagoshima; the northward trend, if it continues, will bring it to us. It has also slowed considerably. Currently, it is expected to make landfall during the early hours of Tuesday, 9/20. - William

One of many sad results of the earthquakes we experienced was the damage to and closing of Kikuchi Gorge (Keikoku). Here's part of a KAB TV program showing the current state of the gorge. Thankfully, KAB has placed the program on YouTube so you can watch it at your leisure -- until they take it down.
-- Kirk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjMQy_AIbsc
まちの5じまん［菊池市］（2016年9月14日 O.A.）
つながる情報テレビ くまパワ『まちの5じまん』 番組ページ：http://www.kab.co.jp/kumapawa/ 制作：KAB熊本朝日放送

I just posted some information about tomorrow's Fujisakigu Festival:
https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/photos/a.129499733790134.25925.123734781033296/1136421089764655/
Here's a video to give those of you who are new to the area an idea of what you can expect to see. This video doesn't show the parade of people in traditional military (as in samurai / musha) dress. That part of the parade comes first so you'll miss it if you are late.
-- Kirk
Japanese Festival Kumamoto 【熊本の祭り】藤崎宮秋の例大祭　2009
藤崎宮秋の例大祭　2009　Fall Festival in Kumamoto Japan blog↓ http://goshi504.blogspot.com/ 藤崎宮秋の例大祭を初めてみました。 「ドーカイ、ドーカイ」の掛け声、飾り馬の跳ねる迫力と、老若男女が踊ります 肝心の加藤清正を撮れなかったという失態で...

The Fujisakigu Reitaisai, Kumamoto's biggest festival, reaches its peak tomorrow with the main parade (zuibyo gyoretsu). Here's a link to a pdf that shows the route and also lists the times (though only in Japanese):
http://www.fujisakigu.or.jp/reisai/images/201608281537.pdf
The parade starts at 6 AM, traveling from Fujisakigu Shrine to a point near the Fujisakidai Baseball Stadium. After a rest, the revellers retrace their steps beginning at 2 PM. Though it makes for an early start, most people recommend viewing the morning parade because participants are fresher, more energetic, and less inebriated.
-- KIrk

Some speakers and other items have been put up for sale on the Kumamoto-i mailing list:
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/kumamoto-i/conversations/messages/13429
-- Kirk

This "Going Home Final Sale" has been announced on the Kumamoto-i mailing list:
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/kumamoto-i/conversations/messages/13432
-- Kirk

This is one of many very cool swimming holes in Kyushu. For a google map with English-language reviews, pictures and/or videos of spots inside and near Kumamoto, go to
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?hl=ja&authuser=0&mid=1o-KebOBHntVC_kIfnwFPUeiJWuY
-- Kirk
P.S. I learned about this from a post on the KumAJET Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/45261511655/permalink/10153998321356656/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umSLPXsH6d0
Saragajo 猿ヶ城
Swinging like a monkey at the Monkeys' Castle!

Here's a bit of information from a colleague of mine about an interesting place to look for bargains. This "recycle" (second-hand) shop specializes in items that were forgotten in train stations but remained unclaimed for a long period of time. I haven't been there but my colleague recommends it highly. If you click on the picture you will be taken to a map showing the location.
-- Kirk
http://goo.gl/s1mxMa
〒860-0812 熊本県熊本市中央区南熊本2丁目7−3 プロミネントハイツ 1F

This item is about our neighbor to the south (Kagoshima). I wonder if the build up of magma mentioned in the article has anything to do with the increased seismic and volcanic activity we've seen in our area in recent years.
-- Kirk
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-37358316
Japan's Sakurajima volcano due for major eruption within 30 years, say scientists - BBC News
Japan's Sakurajima volcano, one of the country's most active, is due for a major eruption within the next 30 years, according to researchers examining new data.